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Suriname Population (2026 Overview)
Suriname, officially the Republic of Suriname, is a country located on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is the smallest sovereign state in South America by area, bordered by Guyana to the west, Brazil to the south, French Guiana to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Suriname covers a total land area of 156,000 sq. km (60,000 sq. mi) and has a low population density of about 4 people per sq. km. According to the UN World Population Prospects, the estimated population of Suriname in 2026 is 639,522 (around 6.4 lakh).
Source: UN World Population Prospects
Quick Facts — Suriname (2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 639,522 (2026 estimate) |
| Land Area | 156,000 sq. km (60,000 sq. mi) |
| Population Density | 4 people per sq. km |
| Urban Population | ~66% |
| Capital City | Paramaribo |
| Fertility Rate | 2.25 |
| Median Age | 29.8 years |
| Life Expectancy | 72.1 years |
| Major Languages | Dutch (official), Sranan Tongo, Hindi, Javanese |
Suriname Historical Population
Suriname’s population has grown steadily since the mid-20th century, with brief slowdowns linked to emigration and economic instability in the 1980s. In recent decades, growth has resumed at a moderate pace, driven by natural increase and improving economic conditions.
Suriname Census Population (1950–2022)
| Year | Population | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 215,000 | — |
| 1964 | 324,000 | +50.7% |
| 1971 | 372,000 | +14.8% |
| 1980 | 357,000 | −4.0% |
| 1990 | 407,000 | +14.0% |
| 2000 | 472,000 | +16.0% |
| 2012 | 541,638 | +14.7% |
| 2022 | 612,985 | +13.2% |
Source: National census data, UN estimates
Religion in Suriname
Suriname has one of the most religiously diverse populations in South America, reflecting its multicultural history and migration patterns. Christianity is the largest religion, followed by significant Hindu and Muslim communities. Traditional folk religions, smaller faith groups, and unaffiliated residents also form an important part of the country’s spiritual landscape.
Religious Composition of Suriname
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Christianity | 52.3% |
| Hinduism | 18.8% |
| Islam | 14.3% |
| Folk religions | 5.6% |
| Other religions | 2.8% |
| Unaffiliated | 6.2% |
Ethnic Population of Suriname
Suriname is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in South America, shaped by centuries of indigenous presence, European colonization, African slavery, and Asian indentured migration. The population includes significant communities of Indian, African, Javanese, and mixed ancestry, along with smaller Chinese, European, and indigenous groups, making Suriname a uniquely multicultural society.
Ethnic Composition of Suriname
| Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Indian (Hindustani) | 27.4% |
| Maroon | 21.7% |
| Creole | 15.7% |
| Javanese | 14.0% |
| Mixed | 13.4% |
| Chinese | 7.3% |
| Amerindian | 3.8% |
| White | 1.0% |
| Other | 2.3% |
Largest Cities in Suriname by Population
Suriname’s population is highly concentrated in its capital and surrounding urban areas. Paramaribo, the capital and largest city, dominates the urban landscape, while other towns remain relatively small, reflecting the country’s low population density and largely rural character.
Top Cities in Suriname
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paramaribo | 223,757 |
| 2 | Lelydorp | 18,223 |
| 3 | Nieuw Nickerie | 13,143 |
| 4 | Moengo | 7,074 |
| 5 | Nieuw Amsterdam | 4,935 |
| 6 | Mariënburg | 4,427 |
| 7 | Wageningen | 4,145 |
| 8 | Albina | 3,985 |
| 9 | Groningen | 3,216 |
| 10 | Brownsweg | 2,696 |
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